Lola Cars
Lola Cars
Founded
1958
Founders
Eric Broadley
Country
United Kingdom
Headquarters
Huntingdon, England, United Kingdom
Lola Cars
Founded
1958
Founders
Eric Broadley
Country
United Kingdom
Headquarters
Huntingdon, England, United Kingdom
About this brand
Discover the history
Lola Cars, founded by Eric Broadley in 1958, is a renowned British automotive manufacturer known for its significant contributions to motorsport. Originating in Bromley, Kent, Lola initially focused on producing race cars with a reputation for engineering excellence and innovation.Â
The company’s early success came with the introduction of its first car, the Lola Mk1, which competed in sports car racing. This initial model set the stage for Lola’s future achievements, showcasing Broadley’s commitment to lightweight design and advanced engineering. The Lola Mk1’s performance laid the groundwork for the company’s evolving reputation in racing.Â
In the 1960s, Lola Cars gained prominence with its series of innovative racing cars. The Lola Mk2 and Mk3 were particularly notable, with the Mk3 becoming a favorite in sports car racing. The Lola Mk3 featured a distinctive design and demonstrated impressive performance, contributing to the brand’s growing success on the track. This period marked Lola’s entry into various racing categories, including Formula Junior and Formula 2.Â
The 1970s were a pivotal decade for Lola as the company expanded its presence in open-wheel racing. The Lola T70, introduced in 1965, became one of the most iconic sports cars of its era. Its success in endurance racing, including victories at the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, solidified Lola’s reputation for building competitive racing machines. The Lola T70’s advanced engineering and performance characteristics set new standards in sports car design.Â
Lola’s influence continued into Formula 1 with the introduction of the Lola T260, which competed in the 1970s. The Lola T260 and its successors, including the Lola T290 and T332, showcased the company’s innovation in open-wheel racing. Lola’s involvement in Formula 1, though limited in success, highlighted the brand’s commitment to developing cutting-edge technology for the highest levels of competition.Â
The 1980s and 1990s saw Lola’s continued involvement in various racing categories, including Formula 3000 and sports car racing. The company’s Lola T9100 and T96/50 models achieved notable success in Formula 3000, further establishing Lola’s reputation as a leading manufacturer of race cars.Â
In the 2000s, Lola Cars adapted to changes in the motorsport landscape by producing chassis for various series, including the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) and the IndyCar Series. The Lola B2K/40, for instance, was a successful model in sports car racing, showcasing Lola’s ability to design competitive vehicles for modern racing.Â
Despite facing financial challenges and changes in ownership, including a period under the management of venture capitalist Martin Birrane, Lola Cars maintained its commitment to innovation and performance. The company continued to produce racing cars and chassis for various motorsport disciplines, including prototype and sports car racing.Â
Today, Lola Cars is celebrated for its rich history and contributions to motorsport. The brand’s legacy includes a series of successful racing machines that have competed at the highest levels of motorsport, from endurance racing to open-wheel competitions. Lola’s commitment to engineering excellence and innovation remains a defining characteristic of its storied history in the automotive world.Â
